Related Experiment Videos
Swimming and grommets: a prospective survey
1Timaru Hospital.
The New Zealand Medical Journal
|June 22, 1994
Summary
Swimming with grommets (ventilation tubes) in situ is associated with a low incidence of otorrhoea (ear discharge). Protecting ears during swimming does not appear to prevent ear infections in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Otology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Grommets (ventilation tubes) are commonly inserted in children to manage recurrent otitis media.
- Swimming is a common activity, but concerns exist regarding water exposure and ear infections in children with grommets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of otorrhoea in children with grommets while swimming.
- To investigate if protecting the ears from water entry reduces the occurrence of otorrhoea.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of children with bilateral grommets swam with one ear protected and the other unprotected.
- Swims and episodes of otalgia or otorrhoea requiring medical consultation were systematically recorded.
Main Results:
- Nineteen children completed the study, participating in 551 swims with head immersion.
- One child experienced bilateral otorrhoea post-swim.
- Three episodes of otalgia required medical consultation, with no evidence of infection.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of otorrhoea in children with grommets who swim is low.
- Water protection for ears during swimming did not demonstrate a benefit in preventing infection.